About
A small, compact deciduous tree with dark purple, almost black foliage which turns to dark red in the autumn. Masses of small, white flowers appear in summer and mature specimens have dark brownish-red peeling bark. Foliage colour will change depending on light levels.
About the genus
Stewartia are deciduous trees or shrubs, often with attractive peeling bark, ovate leaves and showy white flowers; good autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist soil and protect from cold drying winds
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer. Propagate by seed (sown outdoors) in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility